Symantec Announces Norton Administrator Suite

Essential Edition provides integrated, platform-independent control of a
wide range of network administration functions

LAS VEGAS, NEV. -- APRIL 2, 1996 -- In order to enhance a LAN
administrator's productivity and reduce network administration problems,
Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq:SYMC ) today announced Norton Administrator
Suite - Essential Edition. Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition
integrates a wide array of features, including hardware and software
inventory, software metering and distribution, desktop virus protection,
desktop configuration management, and remote control -- essential features
to network administrator in the day-to-day management of the network. Each
of the suite's components are the market and technology leaders in their
categories, proven on more than 10 million desktops worldwide.

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition is a comprehensive,
cost-effective solution for companies managing a local area network (LAN)
with less than 1,000 nodes. Industry research indicates that these
companies are concerned with management events such as network inventory,
software license compliance, end-user support and anti- virus protection.
The Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition provides solutions for
those network challenges and others in an all-in-one CD that is available
now. For those companies managing multiple LANs or WANs with more than
1,000 nodes, Symantec's Norton Administrator Suite - Premier Edition in a
"select" CD form, where customers will be able to select only those
components they use, will be available in the second quarter of 1996.

"Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition is based on Symantec's
Norton Enterprise Framework, an architecture for providing integrated,
platform-independent, centralized network administration solutions, " said
Ted Schlein, vice president of Networking and Client/Server Technology at
Symantec. "Because of our approach, network administrators are able to
proactively manage network events. For example, administrators can use
distribution to install common desktop configurations and software and
then use inventory to decide which machines get which configurations and
software."

Integrated Network Administration

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition provides a single,
integrated installation for all components. LAN administrators can then
access a single Windows console (running on Windows 3.x, Windows 95, or
Windows NT) for all applications. The product is very easy to setup and
use providing common user interface elements and a common application
database for various components, such as inventory and metering. Tight
integration across all components makes it easy to address common
problems. For example, LAN administrators can use inventory to find
machines that don't have anti-virus software installed and then use
distribution to install anti-virus software and virus definition updates.

Hardware & Software Inventory

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition provides hardware inventory
data on more than 300 fields of detailed information. The hardware
inventory component supports the Desktop Management Interface (DMI) and
can collect available information, such as serial number, system name and
primary user information, from a PC's management information file (MIF).
The product's software inventory component recognizes more than 5,100
applications, including 32-bit programs, and allows LAN administrators to
track system files and edit the application database. Administrators can
also collect network information and IP addresses under Windows.

Software Distribution

The product's software distribution component delivers and installs updated
files and software automatically and lets administrators edit the
registry, text, and .INI files. Administrators can customize distributions
and receive detailed error logging reports. Norton Administrator Suite -
Essential Edition also supports Novell's NetWare Directory Services (NDS)
which allow administrators to distribute software to existing NDS user and
group levels in addition to including NT Server Domain support.

Software Metering

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition allows either permissive or
restrictive license metering of applications on the server or workstation.
Administrators can also meter predefined suites or define custom
application suites to meter. Metering of native Windows 95 applications is
also supported.

Desktop Configuration Management

With the desktop configuration management component, administrators can
control user access to data and applications. In addition, administrators
can simplify and customize user interfaces and user access to desktop and
network resources. Desktop configurations can be designed to augment or
replace the user interface component of complex environments, such as
Windows 95. Administrators can also use this component to establish a
standard user interface that will aid in the migration from Windows 3.1 to
Windows 95. This can keep novice users out of trouble and speed access to
computer resources for novice and experienced users alike.

With a built-in scanner, administrators can search multiple network servers
for applications to include in desktop configurations. These scanned
applications reside in a central database for easy access and review in
assigning additional configurations.

Remote Control

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition includes remote control for
real-time troubleshooting, diagnostics, and training. This enables
administrators to provide end user support without leaving their desk.
Data management is also made easier through file transfer, file/directory
synchronization. The remote control component supports IPX, TCP/IP,
NetBIOS, and Banyan network connections. Remote communications to
workstations can be initiated from within the inventory screen to minimize
connection time.

Virus Protection

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition provides NCSA certified
client virus protection through automatic, continuous virus scanning and
removal. The virus protection component provides virus protection of
downloaded files from the Internet or other on-line services as well as
disks and all system areas. The anti-virus component also provides
automated distributions of updated virus definitions from the console to
all networked PCs.The product also includes patent-pending technology for
unknown virus detection to provide continuous protection against unknown
viruses. Symantec's AntiVirus Research Center also provides monthly
on-line updates of the latest virus definition files. Norton Administrator
Suite - Essential Edition can be used to automate updates of virus
definitions to the desktops.

Customer Driven Solution

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition is based on four key design
cornerstones that are regularly requested by customers: heterogenous
support for multiple network and client operating systems, scalable
architecture to support LANs or WANs, visual and functional integration
between the product components, and support for open industry standards.
The Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition is a perfect tool for
Symantec's Enterprise Alliance Program members to provide complete
solutions including network hardware, software, services and support. This
channel of qualified solution providers works closely with Symantec and
with customers to deliver a range of implementation services including
needs assessment, planning, training, integration, customization and
post-sales support.

Pricing and Availability

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition is available now through
resellers worldwide in a CD 10-node license pack with an estimated retail
price of $635 U.S.  Purchases over 10 nodes are available via any of
Symantec's distributors through the company's Value or VIP programs.

Norton Administrator Suite - Essential Edition is compatible with the major
network operating systems including Novell NetWare, Banyan VINES,
Microsoft LAN Manager, Microsoft NT Server, DEC Pathworks and IBM LAN
Server and supports DOS, Windows (including Windows95 and Windows NT),
Macintosh and OS/2 client operating systems. The Administrator's console
runs on a Windows management platform which requires an IBM 80386 PC or
100% compatible, DOS 3.31 or higher, Windows 3.1, Windows 95 or Windows
NT, and minimum disk space of 40 MB.

Symantec Corporation develops, markets, and supports a complete line of
application and system software products designed to enhance individual
and workgroup productivity as well as manage networked computing
environments. Platforms supported include IBM personal computers and
compatibles, Apple Macintosh computers as well as all major network
operating systems. Founded in 1982, the company's global operations span
North America, Europe and several fast growing markets throughout Asia
Pacific and Latin America. Information on the company and its products can
be obtained by calling (800) 441-7234 toll free or (541) 334-6054.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you would like additional information on Symantec
Corporation and its products, please view the Symantec Press Center at
http://www.symantec.com/PressCenter/ on Symantec's Website.

PRODUCT AND ORDERING INFORMATION:

Symantec Corporation, 10201 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 USA
(800) 441-7234 or (541) 334-6054
 
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